garryhg

[QUOTE=Lorrielou;7232960]We are in the same position. We got our permanent residency visa earlier this month and have booked flights to validate. However, I'm a bit concerned about Oz and wondering if it has the offer what we wanted when we started out. It seems to me that it is becoming more like the UK and the differences are starting to blur. I've noticed the crime rates rising steadily in Melbourne in areas that were 'safeish' when we first started looking 2 years ago. There are regular posts of Ozzies getting less friendly, are more unhappy about immigrants and 'pulling up the bridges', the economy isn' fareing too well (although NZ isn't too different, but at least properties are cheaper!), education doesn't appear too brilliant (don't know about NZ), bush fires and 45 degrees heat (in Melboure, which is where we are looking at), rise in graffiti and vandalism.

I've posted a seperate thread recently which has had one good response (thanks for that) although more would of course be welcome. I must admit that the thought of starting the whole process again (visas, research on areas etc) is hugely daunting. But then, so is the thought of getting over to somewhere and not staying.

Nightmare, isn't it? Hopefully we can find out a bit more between us as I don't have a clue where to start! I'll keep an eye on your post too.
Regards

Lorraine[/QUOT

I think you should go in with your eyes open,every country has there problems...If you have all the info, good and bad before you go you are more prepared...but please don,t judge somewhere on someone else's experience.one mans meat is another mans poison...an all that.some posters on here Auckland isn't for them..and thats fine...Us we love it and wouldn't want to be anywhere else...:.and certainly don't judge it by UK standards...remember you are leaving the UK for a reason.....Go and judge it for yourself,.thumbsup...but good luck with your choices...Jacky

eddie_nz

Don't worry crime on NZ is statistically as bad in NZ as it is in the UK

Oh and the NZ infant mortality rate is way worse in NZ..

garryhg

yep statistically it might well be,havn't looked at any figures,but given the population here is small it feels a lot safer..IMHO anyway...

southerner

Couldn't not be really.

Bellasmum

[QUOTE=garryhg;7234145] I think that Jacky has just given you some very good advice.

I think you will find that crime in NZ is noted in the media far more than in Aus and the UK and that can give you a distorted impression of crime.

I have worked in Auckland, Aus and the UK as a OT nurse and from what I have seen violence has been on the increase everywhere.

The difference is in NZ it is reported and highlighted more by the media.

ginabridget

There is the ferry from Half Moon Bay that goes into the CBD, I haven't used it myself but from the amount of cars down there it looks like a lot of people use it to commute to the CBD for work, not sure how long it takes and then of course you've got to consider how to get to work from the other end, but it seems a pleasant way of avoiding the traffic.

I've just moved into the Half Moon Bay area and am so far loving it. I originally wanted to live in the Mellons Bay/Cockle Bay area but found it difficult finding a nice rental house there, although will definitely consider living there when we're looking to buy.

Kerri.

We've been living in Bucklands Beach for over 2 years and are definitely happy and settled, it's a fabulous place with so much around.
Rather than driving into CBD for work, I'd suggest catching the ferry from Half Moon Bay, it only takes about 30mins, it's really reasonable priced and a great way to travel in

lapsed kiwi

We live just out of the city, to the north. It's a fantastic place to be - out of the city bustle when we want to be but close enough to commute into town for work or visit for the facilities.
The Auckland area is great - very nice climate, some nice surrounding countryside and a fantastic coastline. I was brought up in the South Island but have no doubt I'd rather be here than down there

crap coffee

http://www.emigratenz.org/ms-living-in-auckland-1.html

I think the same.

mickey_d

Sums it up quite well really!

crap coffee

Hell Yeah.

garryhg

As i've said one man's meat is another man's poison...Jacky